On April 23, 2025, Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, the 4th Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, conducted a significant courtesy visit to the Gobabis Vocational Training Centre (GVTC), accompanied by the Omaheke Regional Governor, Hon. Pijoo Nganate. This visit highlighted the government's commitment to vocational training and skills development among the youth in Namibia.
During her visit, Her Excellency toured several workshops at GVTC, each demonstrating the centre's innovative projects aimed at equipping trainees with practical skills that align with market demands.
Highlights from the Workshops:
- Leather Product and Manufacturing:
At this workshop, trainees are engaged in an exciting project to manufacture essential items such as school shoes, school bags, and belts for learners. This initiative not only fosters creativity and craftsmanship but also provides trainees with the necessary skills to meet local demands. - Clothing Production:
In this area, the focus is on creating school uniforms and sports attire, including winter and summer jackets and pencil cases for learners. This project empowers trainees to produce quality garments while contributing to the community’s educational needs. - Welding and Metal Fabrication:
Here, trainees are involved in a vital project dedicated to repairing and producing hospital beds, school desks, and chairs. This work underscores the importance of vocational training in addressing local infrastructure needs. - Automotive Mechatronics Foundation:
An innovative solar-powered mobile TVET truck was showcased, aimed at bridging the skills gap across the country. This initiative provides practical training in different occupational areas, emphasizing sustainability and mobility in education. - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration:
This workshop plays a crucial role in ensuring that fresh and healthy food remains accessible to learners in the region. By training trainees in this field, the programme supports both environmental sustainability and community health.
During her visit, Her Excellency Witbooi spoke directly to the trainees, encouraging them to take their studies seriously and recognize the potential they possess to contribute positively to Namibia's future. She expressed genuine admiration for the dedication and talent demonstrated by the trainees at GVTC, highlighting the significance of vocational training in empowering the youth and fostering local development.
Her visit received enthusiastic responses from both trainees and trainers, tailored to inspire and motivate the next generation of skilled professionals.
The tour of the Gobabis Vocational Training Centre reinforced the importance of investing in vocational education as a driver of economic growth and social development in Namibia. As the country continues to develop, initiatives like those at GVTC exemplify the commitment to building a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
This memorable visit by Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance vocational training in Namibia, showcasing the vital role that institutions like GVTC play in shaping the nation's future.
By: Violet N. Simataa, Gobabis Vocational Training Centre (GVTC), 23 April 2025
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